UK: Archie Hamilton Brands Hatch summary

ARCHIE HAMILTON TAKES FIRST PORSCHE PODIUM

Race 1:
Qualified Overall: 12th
ProAm1: 4th
Finished: OA: 10th
PA1: 2nd

Race 2:
Qualified Overall: 12th
ProAm1: 4th
Finished: OA: 11th
PA1: 5th

In just his third Porsche event, Basingstoke's Archie Hamilton (19) drove to his first well deserved podium victory today at the Brands Hatch circuit.

Qualifying, held yesterday, showed Archie making more progress, gaining a half second on his practice lap times. His pace wasn't optimised after being blocked at the moments when his tyres were at their best, but Archie's times were still the fourth fastest of the eleven ProAm1 class runners.

Torrential rain fell making racing more than a little difficult. With hampered visibility and serious aquaplaning Archie kept his head and stuck to the track as others around him succumbed to the elements. He got a good start and by lap three was up to second position. As well as the difficult conditions Archie was under pressure from team mate Ahmad Al Harty but it was class leader Ollie Jackson that eventually managed to pass. After one of Archie's toughest ever races he took the chequered flag and claimed his first Porsche podium.

By race two the wet track was turning greasy providing a different challenge. Archie, battling for third place early in the race, was pushed onto the grass and his loss of momentum dropped him back to sixth. For much of the race he was under pressure again, this time principally Tony Gilham. With each lap Archie was able to pick up the pace, regain one position and he crossed the line in fifth.

Archie Hamilton:

"I'm really happy. It's brilliant to get my first podium -- for me and the team. We can only go forwards from here."

Archie's next event takes place at Oulton Park, Cheshire on 5th and 6th June.

-source: archie hamilton